The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA ) has indicated that head porters (Kayayei) are exempted from market tolls.

A statement issued by Sam Ayeh Datey, Metro Coordinating Director of the AMA said : “The attention of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has been drawn to a picture of a Market Toll ticket (MT 0010624) dated 06/04/18 which is in circulation on social media.

“The caption associated with the post is misleading and deemed to be a calculated attempt to court public disaffection towards the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Therefore, the AMA would want to put on record that the Gazetted 2018 Fee Fixing Resolution does not include head porters as tolls chargeable group and that the directive from Central government not to charge head porters tolls is still in force.

“The head porters, commonly referred to as “Kayayei” engage in carrying goods for a fee especially in commercial areas, mostly in and around market centers and major bus terminals.

“They are employed by travellers, shop owners, general shoppers, or traders and are used to offset the difficulty of vehicles accessing the center of the markets to load or discharge goods.”

The statement added : “On the other hand, a hawker is someone who travels around to merchandise or sell easily transportable goods. In addition, the gazetted 2018 Fee Fixing Resolution captured hawkers in a chargeable group, which mandates them to pay a daily toll of GH¢ 1.00 but not “Kayayei” as the story sought to portray.

“The AMA wishes to express its outmost dissatisfaction with the said impression being created and urge all to desist from churning out such misrepresentation and to cross check with the Assembly before putting out such material since the City authority is operating an open door policy.

“The Assembly wishes to assure all stakeholders that it is working in accordance with the directive to ensure a smart, sustainable and resilient city to improve the quality of life of people living within the city by providing leadership and opportunities for social and economic development whilst maintaining a clean attractive and a secured environment for the benefit of residents businesses and all visitors.”